David Coote Sanction Update

Independent Regulatory Commission imposes suspension and education requirement for a breach of FA Rule E3.

David Coote Receives Eight-Week Suspension

An independent Regulatory Commission has suspended referee David Coote for eight weeks and ordered him to complete a face to face education programme after a breach of FA Rule E3. The panel found a video from July 2020 showing him using abusive language about Jurgen Klopp, which appeared on social media in November 2024, and said the conduct could amount to an aggravated breach because it referenced nationality. Coote admitted the charge during the hearing, and sanctions were set after the commission considered its written reasons.

The sanctions were issued following a formal hearing and the commission published its written reasons. The decision signals that the FA will treat online remarks by officials as serious offenses and expects accountability beyond match days.

This case tests how footballs governing body applies discipline to officials for social media behavior. The mix of punishment and education suggests a philosophy of accountability and rehabilitation rather than punishment alone.

Language about nationality in the aggravated breach raises questions about bias and fairness. How such wording is used can shape public trust in refereeing and in the sports governance.

Highlights

Further cases may test how far sanctions reach when online conduct intersects with on field authority.